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7 May 2025

Children and Families Newsletter: May

Children and Families Newsletter: May

Welcome to the May issue of our online newsletter for children and families, produced by the Children and Family Work team at YMCA St. Paul’s Group.

We help whole families to flourish. We have safe and trusted Early Years care and developmental activities, family support and mediation help when difficult issues arise at home or school, summer and school holiday camps, and activities that are just plain fun for everyone.

Take a look at the sections below to learn about what we will be up to across our various children and families services in May.

Helping Families with the Cost of Childcare – Funded Places at Jumpers Nursery

15/30 Hour Funding

We have places available for families in receipt of 15 and 30 free hours.

Funded places for 9-month olds are now available!
Why not arrange a tour?

Email nursery@ymcaspg.org or call us on: 020 88 32 1516

NEW! 30-Hour Funding Available from September 2025!
From September 2025 we are offering 30 HOURS of funded childcare for children 9 months+ who attend 3 or more days per week.
Apply for your code, and forward it to:
AnneMarieBuckley@ymcaspg

Jumpers Nursery — Where Play and Learning Go Hand in Hand!

At Jumpers Nursery, Ealing, we’re all about giving children the space to explore, move, and thrive!
We’re lucky to have access to our very own activity studio, where we take the children to enjoy soft play sessions on fun, age-appropriate equipment — perfect for building confidence, coordination, and making happy memories along the way.

These sessions are more than just fun—they offer real developmental benefits across all areas of early learning. Here’s how soft play supports your child’s growth:

Boosting Brain Power
Soft play encourages cognitive development by improving hand-eye coordination and sensory processing. Activities like climbing, balancing, and crawling help children understand cause and effect—a key thinking skill that develops between 18 and 36 months.

Our soft play space gives children the freedom to experiment, explore, and learn in a safe, supportive environment.

Building Social Skills
Soft play is a great way for children to interact and learn from each other. Whether they’re playing side-by-side or sharing a game, children build confidence, learn to take turns, and begin to understand others’ emotions.

It’s also a chance to develop language and imagination through pretend play—while building friendships and self-esteem along the way!

Encouraging Active Bodies
From stepping stones to soft tunnels and ball pits, our studio is packed with opportunities to move! Soft play supports both gross motor skills (like jumping and climbing) and fine motor skills (like grasping and balancing small objects).

Every session helps children grow stronger, more coordinated, and more confident in their physical abilities.

A Fun Way to Learn and Grow
At Jumpers Nursery, we believe children learn best through play. Our soft play sessions combine physical activity, creativity, and social connection.

Jumpers nursery child enjoying the soft pay in the bespoke activity studio

International Day of Families – Parent Workshop at Jumpers Nursery

To celebrate International Day of Families, we’re inviting parents and carers to join us for a special workshop at Jumpers Nursery:

Date: Thursday 15 May 2025
Time: 4:00–5:00 PM
Location: Jumpers Nursery
Theme: Helping Children to Flourish Through Play

All parents and carers are welcome!

National Children’s Day – Sunday 18 May 2025

At Jumpers Nursery, we’ll be recognising National Children’s Day UK on Sunday 18 May 2025 with a week of activities reflecting this year’s theme: Our Future and Our Responsibility.

In the lead-up to the day, children will take part in simple, age-appropriate activities.

National Children’s Day is a chance to reflect on what matters to children and how we can continue to support their development in meaningful ways. We’ll share photos and highlights from the week with families.

 

 

 

 

 

Y Active Gymnastics Classes – Join Us!

Our new half-term of gymnastics classes has already begun, but there’s still time to book!

These fun and engaging sessions help children build strength, flexibility, and confidence in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether your child is a beginner or an aspiring gymnast, our expert coach will help them learn new skills and have fun!

📆 When: Tuesday & Wednesday evenings – check our full timetable online!
📍 Where: YMCA South Ealing, 25 St Mary’s Rd, Ealing, W5 5RE

Book your child’s spot now: https://ymcastpaulsgroup.org/childrens-activities/y-active-gymnastics/

Party fun for under 8s!

Planning a birthday party for your child? Look no further! Our kids’ parties at YMCA South Ealing are ideal for under 8s, offering the perfect mix of excitement and fun. We offer a whole studio filled with colorful soft play equipment, tunnels, and climbing fun — all exclusively yours to enjoy!

Our party hire package includes full access to our studio and a bright and spacious café space, ideal for serving up your own refreshments and snacks. You bring the supervision and treats, and we’ll provide the party venue and equipment.

Visit our website for more information, and to book: Children’s Soft Play Parties at YMCA South Ealing – YMCA St Paul’s Group

Looking for the perfect venue for your activity or class? Our purpose-built studio in South Ealing is available for hire!

Features include:

  • Air conditioning for year-round comfort
  • Free on-site parking for easy access
  • Convenient, accessible ground-floor location
  • Ballet bars and a sprung floor — perfect for dance and fitness classes

Pricing:
Just £30 per hour!

For more details, or to make an enquiry, visit our South Ealing activity studio hire page.

Activity Studio Hire, South Ealing

The Pod – A Comfortable Place to Play, Whatever the Weather!

Planning a visit to the Pod? Thanks to our heating and air conditioning system, it’s a great space to enjoy all year round — and especially comfortable on warmer days.

Whether you’re coming for soft play or just stopping by, you can expect a pleasant, climate-controlled environment that makes every visit more enjoyable.

Find out what’s on and plan your visit:
👉 ymcastpaulsgroup.org/soft-play-at-the-pod-kingston/

Pod Party Fun for Kids Aged 0-11!

Looking for the perfect place to celebrate your child’s special day? The Pod at YMCA Hawker in Kingston is the ultimate party venue!

  • Enjoy one hour of exclusive access to our exciting soft play area, where kids can jump, climb, and slide to their heart’s content.
  • After all the fun, our delicious party menu of food and drinks will keep the celebrations going!

Make your child’s birthday unforgettable — book your Pod Party today!

Now taking bookings for parties from April 2025!

Pod, YMCA Hawker, Lower Ham Road, Kingston KT2 5BH

Pod Soft Play, Kingston – loyalty cards

For frequent visitors

Attend seven Pod sessions, and get the eighth session free! Pick up your loyalty card from reception. or in the Pod.

Spaces Available – Breakfast & After School Club at Whittingham School

Looking for reliable, affordable childcare to support your working schedule? Our YMCA Breakfast and After School Club at Whittingham School currently has spaces available for children aged 4–11 years.

We offer wraparound childcare that supports busy families, with a warm and welcoming environment where children can enjoy:

  • A variety of fun and engaging activities
  • Healthy snacks and time to relax with friends
  • Support with homework
  • A safe space before and after the school day

Our clubs are affordable, and we accept Childcare Vouchers from all official providers.

Interested? To find out more or secure a place, contact our Childcare Team at 020 8509 4636 or email family&childcare@ymcaspg.org

More information is available on our website.

Holiday Fun Starts Here – May Half Term!

Our playscheme is packed with exciting activities — from messy play and arts & crafts to sports, games, and outdoor adventures. Every day is full of energy, creativity and new experiences!
For children aged 4–11 (Reception to Year 6)
Dates: Tuesday 27 – Friday 30 May
Standard day: 10am – 4pm £35
Extended day: 8.30 am – 5.30 pm £40
📍 Taking place at Whittingham Primary Academy
✅ Inclusive and welcoming for children with SEND
💳 We accept Tax-Free Childcare and most childcare voucher schemes

Don’t miss out— book now and join the fun!
👉 Book now

Y Kidz Playscheme at May Half Term

Holiday Fun Starts Here – May Half Term!

Our playscheme is packed with exciting activities — from messy play and arts & crafts to sports, games, and outdoor adventures. Every day is full of energy, creativity and new experiences!
For children aged 4–11 (Reception to Year 6)
Dates: Tuesday 27 – Friday 30 May
Standard day: 10am – 4pm £39.50
Extended day: 8.30 am – 6 pm £45.50 (includes a Pod softplay session from 5pm, subject to availability)
📍 Taking place at YMCA Hawker, Kingston
✅ Inclusive and welcoming for children with SEND
💳 We accept Tax-Free Childcare and most childcare voucher schemes
Book now and join the fun!👉 Book now

Y Kidz Playscheme at YMCA Hawker Kingston

We’re proud to recognise the incredible contributions of our team members through this year’s Long Service Awards. Thank you to each of you for your dedication, passion, and years of service!

  • Annie Kaka: 5 years
    Club Leader-Handsworth-Walthamstow
  • Suzanne Ryan: 5 years
    Play Worker-Whittingham-Walthamstow
  • Anne-Marie Buckley: 10 years
    Early Years Manager-South Ealing
  • Sharon Pickerill: 25 years
    Childrens’ Work Group Development Manager-South Ealing

Mental Health Awareness Week (12 – 18 May)

Having a strong, supportive community is vital for our mental wellbeing. It helps us feel connected, understood, and less alone — especially during challenging times.

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we believe in the power of community to uplift and support one another. It’s at the heart of everything we do — from our youth services to our children’s activities, gyms, housing, and beyond.

Here for communities. Here for young people. Here for you.

This week, let’s take time to connect, check in, and start positive conversations. Together, we can make a difference.

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